Aiden Markram backs South Africa to reach WTC final again: Extra fire, extra desire
Aiden Markram believes South Africa have what it takes to reach a second consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final, with the defending champions determined to build on their historic triumph in 2025. The Proteas became Test world champions for the first time by beating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s, with Markram scoring a match-winning 136 in the final.
South Africa’s path to the 2023-25 WTC finals was notable as they won seven consecutive Tests during the closing stages of the cycle to secure qualification. After experiencing the challenges of this difficult campaign, Markram believes the team is now even more motivated to return to the top.
“I believe we can get to the (WTC) final again. Last year there was a lot of talk about getting to the final and the road to it, so now there is more fire and desire to get to the final because we would have to do it in an extremely difficult way,” Markram said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
CAN THE PROTEAS QUALIFY FOR THE FINAL?
South Africa are currently third in the WTC 2025-27 standings with 48 points and a run percentage of 66.67 after six Tests. They remain firmly in contention for a top two finish, with Australia leading the table and New Zealand in second place. Bangladesh are fourth with a scoring percentage of 55.56, while India are also in the hunt with 51.52 per cent, leaving little room for complacency for the Proteas.
The immediate focus for Temba Bavuma’s side is the ongoing Test series against Australia. After losing the opening Test in Durban, South Africa responded strongly in Gqeberhahe won the second Test by an innings and 31 runs to level the three-match series at 1–1. Bavuma’s 179, Marc Jansen’s five-wicket haul and a strong collective bowling effort ensured the comeback.
South Africa will now look to carry that momentum into the series decider at Newlands in Cape Town and secure a series win over Australia. A win would greatly boost their confidence and strengthen their position in the fight for the WTC finals.
With a tough schedule still ahead, Markram knows the Proteas cannot afford to let up. Their title defense remains a work in progress, but their ambitions are clear: South Africa want another shot at the WTC crown.
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